The Diplomat

I was expecting an ordinary biopic, in this case of a well-known figure getting praised by associates and others in his field, plus some interesting footage of this and that. An avid reader of the news, I thought I knew a lot (or enough) about Richard Holbrooke. Was I wrong! He was a larger-than-life figure with unbelievable accomplishments. His son David has made an amazingly thought-provoking film on how foreign policy is made (although this was not his intent; he set out to learn more about his father, who was, understandably, distant while travelling around the world in order to solve problems that meant life and death for many thousands of people as well as whole countries). While the film's beginning is a bit confusing, going back and forth in time, the film settles into giving us a clear perspective on selected foreign policies through the decades during which Holbrooke served this country at the highest levels. We get a strong idea of his strengths but also his all-too-human flaws. His relationships with General Petraeus, Secretary Hillary Clinton, journalist David Rohde, Presidents Clinton and Obama are illuminated and totally fascinating. David Holbrooke, the filmmaker and Richard's son, has made a powerful tribute to his dad, while giving us a mesmerizing lesson in foreign affairs.

I am disappointed. Although I liked hearing out of curiosity more about that man from various world authorities and famous people, and I liked seeing and hearing explanation of Bosnian war and other wars, this is too boring. Talk and history dominates. I find reading Wikipedia or watching war movies much more interesting. Even playing video games like Battlefield is much more teaching and entertaining than watching this. Was there more mystery, younger people, higher quality recordings, could be more enjoyable. Only few wars and few people look interesting, but even that is very weak, short, low quality. Could not watch last 25 minutes because boredom took the best of me.

This is a well made documentary, by Holbrooke's own son (which adds to the suspense, as the viewer wonders about the relations between the director and the main character). What makes this film even more interesting is the candid remarks by Albright, Hillary Clinton and a number of eminent personalities belonging to politics and diplomacy - not just from USA but also from the Middle east. His ex wife also speaks rather honestly about their time together.

I started watching it thinking that this was a film, then realised after a few minutes that it was a documentary. Yet, it was so absorbing that I could not stop watching it. The film gives the viewer a number of powerful insights into how US foreign policy and action works, using Lebanon, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Serbia / Bosnia, Iran and Iraq as settings. The film is also rather honest, highlighting both, the victories and failures of Holbrooke, and this, I feel makes it appear even more credible.

In all respects a good watchable film for anyone interested in the secret world of international 20th century diplomacy.